Rocks

In studying the geology of Mars, one type of information that scientists can gather is the number of rocks on the surface of various sizes (plotted, for example, as a histogram). This could then be compared to similar data for other locations on Earth or Mars, giving some insight, perhaps, into the factors that cause rocks to break up (temperature variation, amount of moisture present, etc.)

Graph data provided regarding the number of rocks found in different size ranges on Mars. Look for a pattern, and compare it to data taken from Death Valley, California.

Subject: Mathematics
Topics: Algebra—Coordinate Systems; Patterns, Relations and Functions
Grades: 6 - 12
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can plot a point in a two-dimensional coordinate system, given the coordinates, or determine the coordinates of a given point
- Can extrapolate a graph when a pattern exists
- Can relate aspects of a graphical model to the real world situation which is being modeled
- Can use a functional relationship to predict the value of one variable when the other is known

Download Teacher Guide: Rocks (PDF)
Download Student Lesson: Rocks (PDF)

Testing the Mars RoverTesting the Mars Rover:

Engineers and geologists trek to a Mars-like hill in Death Valley to test remotely operated off-planet exploration devices called "rovers."
Running time 1:41 minutes.

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The Surface of MarsThe Surface of Mars:

Currently the worldwide collection of Mars rocks totals exactly 37. They've come to us over the eons as meteorites. As a scientist at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Molly McCanta’s job is to better understand the geological history of the red planet with only 37 samples to work from. She loves the challenge.
Running time 5:15 minutes.

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